Honourable senators, I rise today to highlight the work of an outstanding organization called Million Peacemakers. Co-founded by Canadian Stephen Hecht, co-author of the best-selling book Nonflict: The Art of Everyday Peacemaking, the organization has big goals in helping shape a better future. In its essence, “nonflict” is all about transforming any conflict into a “nonflict” situation and empowering everyone with the ability to foster reconciliation, mutual understanding and peace in the workplace, at school, at home and in our communities.

First, Million Peacemakers wants to train one million peacemakers in the “nonflict way,” a proven method for everyday peacemaking.

Second, it wants to establish a peace institute in Rwanda, focused on research and education, with a particular interest in conflict resolution, peace and genocide prevention. The organization has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Rwanda.

Third, it wants to develop and launch a world-class online learning experience for everyone to have access to and benefit from the power of “nonflict.” Through workshops, Million Peacemakers hopes to provide any interested party — from schools and youth to business executives and family members — with the tools needed to deal with everyday peacemaking in a meaningful and effective manner. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively, how to engage in healthy and positive dialogue and how to demonstrate empathy — which is very important — in any conflict resolution situation.

No conflict is too small to benefit from the “nonflict way.”

I recently met with the group’s Executive Director, Jon Moyal, and Director Mark Sadovnick to learn more about this innovative approach, one that is needed more than ever before. I was struck by the impact the “nonflict way” can have in the workplace. A recent analysis shows that 85% of people experience workplace conflict, and one in four people will miss work this year to avoid conflict. In Canada, workplace conflicts cost Canadian businesses more than $2 billion a year, which can have a detrimental impact on a workplace’s productivity.

To reduce the costs of destructive workplace conflict, “nonflict” training can help any workplace enhance team cohesion, boost productivity, strengthen leadership and improve employee engagement — among other benefits. Employee engagement is so key for results and for empowering the people working for us. It’s a wonderful model, proven to achieve tangible results. It’s worth considering for any manager.

Honourable senators, I encourage you to learn more about the Million Peacemakers movement, and I invite all Canadians to embrace the principles associated with “nonflict” to help nurture better relationships at work and at home.